This week in Island history

The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from theJamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago camefrom the collection of the Newport Historical Society.

100 years agoFrom the Newport Journal, March 12, 1910

An O’D. Taylor has rented on lease for John Anderson his large farm of over 60 acres of land, running from Narragansett Bay to the North Road, to Frank R. Cory of Jamestown. This rental includes the residence, barn and other buildings on the sea side, and about 50 henhouses. This farm is about two miles north of the town of Jamestown, and is one of the finest farms on Conanicut Island.

Steamer Leander Wilcox, with a load of fertilizer, was in at Ferry wharf Tuesday. She discharged only a small amount here, as the larger part of the cargo was consigned to Newport.

75 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, March 12, 1935

Increased visibility of the light on the Brenton Reef light vessel No. 39, which has been sought by mariners for a long time, will result from the change in the light’s power to be made next week, when the ship goes into dry dock for repairs. From the Newport Daily News, March 13, 1935

(At a meeting of the American Legion) a report of the building committee was received and ordered recorded. After discussing the report, it was voted to accept the report of the committee in so far as the old fire station was concerned, and that it be given further consideration.

50 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, March 10, 1960

Testimony before a special House Investigating Committee yesterday gave strong indications that the state’s purchase of two ferryboats from Virginia two years ago for the Jamestown-Newport run was nowhere near the bargain it was thought to be at the time. The state paid $50,000 each for the two vessels.

From the Newport Daily News, March 15, 1960

Revenues from existing bridges would be used to pay for the proposed Newport-Jamestown bridge, according to bipartisan legislation slated for introduction today in the General Assembly.

(At the Town Council meeting) fees for bowling alleys were set at $15 for the first alley and an additional $5 for each alley thereafter. (There was a bowling alley in the building now occupied by McQuade’s Market.)

From the Newport Daily News, March 17, 1960

The School Committee endorsed the PTA request for the installation of a controlled traffic light at Four Corners.

25 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, March 12, 1985

The political campaign officially got underway Monday night when two Democratic Council candidates voiced concerns about a proposed parking ban ordinance. …The ordinance, which eventually passed by a 4-0 vote, authorized the town administrator to ban parking whenever a snowstorm is forecast.

From the Newport Daily News, March 13, 1985

The Zoning Board of Review Tuesday night unanimously approved the conversion of Jamestown Inn on East Shore Road into eight condominium units, to be called Conanicut Park Condominiums.

15 years agoFrom the Jamestown Press, March 9, 1995

Oops! Democrats miss deadline to file nomination papers. Local Board of Canvassers must rule on whether slate can appear on ballot.

Voters approved town and school budgets totaling $9.5 million and an $85,000 warrant item for road improvements at Monday’s financial town meeting. By a slim majority, voters also approved adding $7,000 to the $4.3 million general government budget. Those funds are to be used for repairs and maintenance of the lighthouse keepers’ quarters at Beavertail State Park. As a result, the tax rate will increase 5.2%, from $13.85 to $14.57.

The old Jamestown Bridge could yet prove to be an economic treasure to Rhode Island’s marine industries. The Department of Transportation’s proposal for turning a large portion of the outmoded span into an artificial reef may not only provide an environmental solution to the disposal of the old structure, but an economic one as well.

10 years agoFrom the Jamestown Press,March 16, 2000

Recent brush clearing near the South Pond reservoir has the town’s chief conservation advocate wondering if the town had the proper authority to do the work.

The Town Council in a 4-1 vote approved a new mooring fee structure Monday, finally ending a contentious debate that began in December. …Under the mooring fee structure the council approved, residents will pay $4 per foot for their boats. …Non-resident and commercial fees are now double the new residential fees.